🚭 Karnataka bans tobacco and nicotine products

Karnataka has officially banned the sale and distribution of all tobacco and nicotine products for public health reasons. This move was issued by the Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration in Bengaluru. The prohibition, effective from August 10, 2026, will remain in force for one year. The government is implementing strict enforcement measures across the entire supply chain. The public is urged to report any instances of the prohibited products being sold. 🚭

📈 LEAP India IPO Allotment Status Check Now

The allotment status for the LEAP India IPO is now available for checking online. Investors can check the allotment details for the IPO conducted by LEAP India. The IPO opened on January 2, 2024, and closed on January 4, 2024. This listing is part of the ongoing investment trends in the Indian market. The final allotment list is expected to be published soon.

💥 Ukraine hits Russian naval base with unique strike

Ukraine executed a 'unique operation' against the Russian naval base infrastructure at Novorossiysk. This major strike targeted the facility located more than 300 km from the front line, involving Zelenskyy's forces. The operation, confirmed by Zelenskyy on Wednesday, utilized Palianytsia drones, Neptune missiles, and unmanned naval systems. Russian officials reported casualties and damage, while two major grain terminals suspended operations following the attack. This incident occurs amid broader long-range strikes and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

🐬 Dolphins use seashells as fishing tools

Marine researchers documented the first evidence of East Coast dolphins using empty shells to catch fish. This remarkable tool-use behavior was observed in the Great Sandy Marine Park near Hervey Bay, Queensland. The discovery, which was informally noted since 2013, was scientifically recorded by the team. Furthermore, footage from October 2025 suggests maternal social transmission of this technique. Further study is needed to understand the full scope of these complex dolphin behaviors. 🐬

👁️ Ophthalmologist busts kids' eyesight myths

Dr Roshan Christina, an ophthalmologist, clarified several myths regarding children's vision and screen time. He stated that while prolonged screen use can cause digital eye strain and dry eyes, screens are not the sole cause of permanent vision damage. The doctor also confirmed that glasses correct vision and do not inherently weaken a child's eyes. Good nutrition supports eye health but is never a replacement for proper diagnosis and corrective treatment. Regular eye checks are vital because young children often cannot recognize that their vision is actually blurry. 🧐

🗣️ Marathi mandatory for Mumbai cab and auto drivers

Maharashtra has made practical knowledge of the Marathi language mandatory for all commercial passenger vehicle drivers in the state. This rule applies to auto-rickshaws, taxis, and app-based cabs in Mumbai. The Motor Amendment Rules 2026 will come into effect, with details set for today. Non-compliance leads to a one-month notice, followed by a three-month license suspension. Failure to improve after suspension can result in permanent driving license cancellation. 🚦

🤖 AI spending halts Tencent's profit growth streak

Tencent's streak of double-digit earnings growth starting in 2023 has ended during the second quarter. This happened because the Shenzhen-based tech giant significantly increased its investments in artificial intelligence across China. The company reported a net profit of 56.02 billion yuan, which was 0.7% higher than last year's figures for the quarter ending in June. This slowdown is due to doubling AI spending to target foundational models and AI agents for ecosystem integration. Tencent will continue its aggressive AI push, evidenced by its Hy3 model release and WeChat AI agent testing. 🤖

🏛️ No conspiracy found in Justice Varma report

The Justice Yashwant Varma Committee report was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, suggesting there were no signs of conspiracy. This report concerned Justice Yashwant Varma, who resigned from the Allahabad HC amidst an impeachment process over a cash row. The three-member committee submitted its findings to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in May this year. The controversy originated from a fire at his New Delhi residence on March 14, 2025, where unaccounted cash was recovered. Moving forward, the formal presentation places the case before Parliament's scrutiny. 🏛️

🩺 Kozhikode Med College bags top rank in Kerala 🩺

The Government Medical College (GMC), Kozhikode, secured the first rank in Kerala among top government medical institutions. This ranking was achieved in the 2026 Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) nationwide. The college achieved an overall weighted index of 926.74 out of 1,000 based on various parameters. GMC, Kozhikode, is now in its 70th year of operation, founded in 1957. The institution has expanded significantly from a 200-bed facility to one with over 3,000 beds.

🏏 Sri Lanka squad named for India Test series 🇱🇰

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 16-member squad for the opening Test against India. Dhananjaya de Silva will captain the side, which will feature the return of Niroshan Dickwella. The first Test is scheduled to be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19. Kusal Mendis has been ruled out due to an injury, and Pathum Nissanka is also excluded. Sri Lanka aims to leverage experienced players in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

🏏 Bangladesh faces tough test in Australia

Bangladesh is facing a major challenge against Australia in Australian conditions. The team is preparing for the opening Test in Darwin, where survival for five days is the main discussion point. They recently batted poorly for 54 in a practice game against Cricket Australia XI. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto mentioned they are focused on playing good cricket for five days. The team is confident despite the absence of pacer Nahid Rana. 🏏